Laylatul Qadr: The Night Of Power In The Last 10 Days Of Ramadan

In the thirty days and nights of the holy month of Ramadhan, there is one significant night used to be eagerly awaited by the Prophet (SAW) and his companions.

THE NIGHT OF POWER

It is known as the Laylatul Qadr or translated as the Night of Power. This particular night has an important history attached to it because it was the first time ever Jibreel (AS), the angel of Allah (SWT) sent the first revelation of Qur’an. The first verse was pronounced in a cave on Jabal Nur, the Mountain of Light.[1] Prior to this time, the last holy book was Bible, sent to Isa AS, who is the son of Maryam AS.

The importance of that night is mentioned in the Qur’an,

We sent it (Qur’an) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning. Therein (in that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur’an or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger) (As) a Mercy from your Lord. [Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6] [2]

POINTS OF SIGNIFICANCE ON LAYLATUL QADR

There are important reasons why Laylatul Qadr is considered as the Night of Power. This chosen night has its own historical significance and a powerful impact even until now, after years of the Prophet’s (SAW) passing. As Muslims, we are to follow the deeds of the Prophet (SAW) in any way that we can. The Prophet (SAW) doubled his efforts on the last ten nights of Ramadhan in the hope of finding Laylatul Qadr. This should be exemplary to us because even a man who is promised the highest place in the Paradise still had the determination to stay up all night and worship Allah (SWT).

Laylatul Qadr is a gift from the Almighty. Thus, it is common courtesy to accept and cherish it. If you offer someone a gift and he turned it down, how would you feel? Hence, we need to appreciate and value the significance of the Night of Power. Let us consider these points to add more to our knowledge on Laylatul Qadr.

Allah (SWT) had chosen the night of Laylatul Qadr to reveal the first verses of Qur’an to the Prophet (SAW).

As stated above, in the verse of Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6, the Qur’an was first reveal to the Prophet (SAW) on a night of Ramadhan and it is now the only connection left we have with him.

Praying on the Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months [Surat Al Qadr: 3] [3]

A thousand months is equivalent to more than 80 years of praying. Considering the life span of human nowadays, it is very unlikely that someone will get to live by that age and still standing strong to pray. Even more to be in praying and worshipping position all day long.

The sins of those who pray on this night will be forgiven.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah RA that the Prophet (SAW) said:

Whoever spends the night of Lailatul Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.[4]

None of us is perfect and all of us had, at some point listened to shaytan. By showing Him your dedication to stay up all night and bow down for forgiveness, it would be the best form of taubah[5] a servant can offer to His Master.

LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF LAYLATUL QADR

There was no clear indication of when the night actually is. We know, however, that it is going to be on one of the last ten nights of Ramadhan. Aisha (RA) had conveyed her experience in watching the Prophet (SAW) getting ready for the occasion.

When the last ten days of Ramadhan begins, he would tighten his waist belt, meaning will work harder and pray the entire night, and would wake his family for the prayers.[Bukhari] [6]

As the ummah of the Prophet (SAW), we should follow his doings. Not only will we get the reward for praying on the Night of Power but also for taking after the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW). The reward is twice over, In Sha Allah.

From the highlighted Hadiths, there are few indications that the night is indeed the Night of Power. Among the signs are-

The moon: Abu Hurairah (RA) had mentioned:

We were talking about Laylatul-Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and he said: He who amongst you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and it was like a piece of plate? [7]

Some scholars had said that it is the last part of Ramadhan and therefore the moon looks like half of a plate. If you can spot a half moon on that night, it might be the awaited Night of Power.

The serenity of the night: Ubadah Ibn As-Saamit(RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said:

The Night of Decree is a clear and shining night as if there were a bright moon in it. It is calm and quiet. It is neither cold nor hot and no shooting stars are thrown in it till the morning.[Ahmad][8]

The night is static. You can feel the peace and quiet and these feelings can motivate you to pray and worship Allah (SWT) more. Just like the Tahajud prayers where you get to converse with Him, Laylatul Qadr is meant to be quiet because it is a date between Allah (SWT) and His servant, without interruptions.

The sunrise the day after Laylatul Qadr and does not have any ray: From Ubayy (RA), who said:

That the Prophet (SAW)said: On the morning following Laylatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.[Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmithi and Ibn Majah] [9]

Even though the sun will rise like any other day but the ray is exceptionally not that blazing. In fact, it was more like the night before, quiet, serene and calm.

An odd number of the nights: Salim reported on the authority of his father that a person saw Laylatul Qadr on the 27th (of Ramadan). Thereupon the Prophet (SAW) said:

I see that your dreams agree regarding the last ten (nights of Ramadan). So seek it on an odd number (of these ten nights).

It is known that Allah (SWT) is a single and an indivisible entity. The Prophet (SAW) made the same statement about Allah (SWT) loves of indivisibility when he said:

Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one, whoever comprehends them all will enter Paradise, and He is Indivisible and loves that which is indivisible. [Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim][10]

PLAN TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS NIGHT OF POWER

There is no guarantee we will still be living to meet the next Ramadhan. Therefore, whatever age we are at this year, make a plan to include this in our ‘Things To Do’ list. Here are some lists that you can follow in order to prepare yourself for Laylatul Qadr.

Consume Sunnah Foods of the Prophet (SAW): It can be dates, figs, honey or barley.[11] There are clinically proven to give you energy and this will help you to stay up all night. Most of us are working during the day, so we need food that can sustain our energy. Vitamins could help too.

Sleep early[12], preferably after Taraweeh: The Prophet (SAW) used to tell his companions to retire to bed early in order to wake up for additional prayers in the wee hours. By doing this, you will have enough rest and can be more focused during the prayers.

Read a lot of articles related to Laylatul Qadr: This will give you an insight of the Night of Power. When you see for yourself the benefits that it brings you, you will be motivated to go through the night. There will be a tug of war to stay awake when everybody else is sleeping soundly. So, you need all the motivation you can get.

Set the alarm and remind each other, family and friends: It is best if you can stay in the circle of people. This way you can remind each other and give wake up calls to everyone in the loop. You will also be motivated seeing that all the others are competing to reap the benefits of Laylatul Qadr and this will bring you straight to your prayer mat.

Keep praying and worshipping: Allah (SWT) So keep doing what you are doing and start begging for forgiveness. You can cry all your heart out. As The Forgiver, He will surely answer your prayers because He knows that His servants are prone to making mistakes. We are all human and we were built that way. Allah (SWT) knows.

THE RECOMMENDED DU’A

Since we already know the significance and importance of Laylatul Qadr, what do we do then on this Night of Power? It is advisable if you increase your efforts in praying and worshipping starting from the last ten days of Ramadhan. Hopefully, by then, we already had the practice for the past 20 nights.

It is narrated by Hazrat Aisha (RA) that she asked Allah’s Messenger (SAW):

O Messenger of Allah! (SAW) If I knew which night is Laylatul-Qadr, what should I say during it?” The Prophet (SAW) advised her to recite: “Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee. Translation: O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.[Tirmidhi][13]

This is the dua taught by the Prophet (SAW) to Aisha (RA) for us to recite on that night. We are to forget our worldly problems and focus on repentance so that we too will be rewarded with a special place in the Paradise. Apart from that, hold your prayer beads tightly and say “Astaghfirullah” repeatedly until the dawn comes. Hopefully, Allah (SWT) accepts all of our prayers and by being humbly remorseful, He will forgive all the sins that we had ever committed.

You can do I’tikaf in the mosque.[14] This will be a date between you and Allah (SAW). Spend more time performing extra prayers, reciting and understanding the Qur’an and remember Him all the time.

It can also be a family activity. Bring all your family members together to attend terawih[15] and stay in the mosque until dawn to increase focus towards admiring Allah (SWT).

It is vital to point out here that even though Laylatul Qadr happens at night, you should also intensify your good deeds during the day. Try to find ways to contribute and do some charity. Holding the door open for an elder or offering to help to carry his things will also get you some rewarding points. Insha Allah.

Ask And I Shall Give

Laylatul Qadr is a night for us to look forward to. The serenity, peace and calmness of the night will give solace to our heart. Allah (SWT) is The Pardoner, The Effacer and The Forgiver. Prepare to reap all the benefits from this Night of Power. We want the same thing, to be forgiven for our sins and to be rewarded with a place in the Paradise. All we have to do is ask. This is evident by what He mentioned in the Qur’an, “Ask and I shall give.”

*Although careful considerations and due diligence had been taken by the writer to insert only Hadiths that are purely authentic, only Allah (SWT) knows best and all praises are to Him. Any inconsistencies or incorrect quotes of Hadiths are purely the mistakes of the writer alone.

About The Author

Nurnazida Nazri used to teach law at the university for more than 10 years. She had authored 3 books, Submitting to Allah, Candle in the Wind and Law of Contract Made Simple for Laymen which are available at Amazon, Payhip and E-Sentral. Teaching and writing have always been her passion and she would be clueless if she missed them even for one day. She can be contacted at ziedanazri@gmail.com.